The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-10-29

J the time. But let us not blame Henry too much. He comes honestly Dy his quality of mind and heart. His father was much like what he is now, but his father was never so handsome. Oh. Henry will grow to be a popular man, l am sure, and do not believe he will ever descend to bad habits or evil practices"
 That evening the two sons came home to supper, and were greatly sur prised, as well as very much pleased, upon beholding Ella.
 "Bless me! when did you come?n asked Henry, holding her hand the while.
 "I came by the express, and am just getting rested," she answered promptly.
 Now there were two express trains during the day, and the boys natu- rally took it that she had come by the p. m., and at that let it pass. They ate supper and a pleasant evening followed.
 Several times Jack tried to hold a scrap of conversation with Ella, but Harry pushed him out of the way, and more than once he did it very unkindly.
 At length, after chatting with his mother for awhile, the poor fellow left the room and went away to his own chamber.
 "Poor Jack! He's kind O grumpy, isn't he?" laughed Henry, after his brother had gone.
 But no notice was taken of the un- feeling remark and the matter passed off.
 And the evening passed.
 "Well," said Master Henry to him. self, when he reached his chamber after the others had retired, "Pll pluck this plum while it is within my reach. It's about time that we had an understanding as to when the event is to come off. Pve no doubt she's anx- waiting for me to speak. Well, well, Pll finish it up. She sha'n't wait any longer, poor girl"
 On the following day, during the afternoon, Ella found Mrs. Stevens with traces of tears on her cheeks, and l "oo tS1oSAA1 NhSNl CO NliOW tIlC CttuSC.
 For time the widow hesitated, but finally she spoke.
 "Jack is going away"
 "Jack-going away For what?"
 "Ah, Ella, you should know. Poor boy, he cannot endure it. Ohi how he loves you-how he loves you But he knows it must ever be one sided love for him. He will go and leave his brother to be happy. Ella" throwing her arms around the girls neck and kissing her, "don't speak of this. Oh, do not let any body know what l have told you! :"
 Hush! You know you may trust me. But, mamma, answer me ques- tion, honestly and truly. If you could have your way, and you thought 1 would marry with one of your two boys, which of them would you pre- fer that it should bew
 "Ellaw
 "Answer me-which one?"
 "Oh, Jack, Jack a thousand times Jack !"
 "IIush! Not another word! Go dry your eyes and hold your peace."
 Later, on that same afternoon, Jack entered the cottage, finding his mother in the kitchen. He had come to tell her that he had found a good lodging house which he could take when he pleased and keep as long as he pleased.
 He was still speaking when Ella, with light straw hat on her head, entered the room and put her hand on his strong arm. s.-s-, ..--------- .
 He trembled like an aspen. - N
 "Jack, will you please come with me? l have something to say to you"
 He went with her out of doors, out into the garden and into pretty little arbor of Towering vines.
 "Jack !"-she had gathered all her courage and all her strength. and her own great love, never before so great and palpable as now, gave her help "Jack, why are you going away?"
 He started as from blow and gazed into her face.
 "Ella, don't ask me. Let me go l must gow
 "Jack, why must you go?"
 He looked at her, his frame shook from top to toe; he tried to speak, but could not.
 The girl had taken him unawares.
 He had not been prepared for such a question from her lips.
 "Jack p reaching hand up to his great broad shoulder, "would you not be willing to stop at home if asked you to do it?"
 "You? Ella, why should you ask mel"
 Because the old home will seem to be deserted with you gone from it. Really, Jack, if you persist in going I believe l shall go, too."
 "Ella, Ella! No. no! no, no! You